Preserving Family History: A Custom Shadow Box Frame for Heirloom Pipes

At Jubilee Framers, we pride ourselves on turning meaningful memories into beautiful, lasting displays. One of our recent custom framing projects involved preserving a unique family collection—six heirloom tobacco pipes, two vintage pipe tampers, and a cherished black-and-white photograph—all housed within a beautifully crafted shadow box frame.

A Thoughtful Tribute to a Family Legacy

This bespoke piece was created to honour the memory of a beloved family member known for his signature smoking pipe. The centrepiece of the frame is a striking vintage photograph featuring three men in suits and a young child—capturing a moment from the past that adds emotional depth to the display.

Surrounding the photo are carefully arranged antique smoking pipes and tools, each with its own character and patina. The variety in stem curvature, wood grain, and mouthpiece style reflects decades of use and personal significance. By mounting these artefacts in a professionally constructed box frame, we’ve helped our client preserve a slice of their family history in a visually compelling and museum-quality presentation.

Custom Framing for 3D Objects

This project demonstrates our expertise in framing three-dimensional objects. Shadow box frames are ideal for memorabilia like:

• Military medals and service items

• Sports jerseys and equipment

• Travel souvenirs

• Vintage tools and instruments

• Personal keepsakes, like these tobacco pipes

We used archival-quality materials to ensure long-term preservation, along with a warm-toned timber frame that complements the rustic character of the items inside. Every element—from the depth of the box to the colour of the matboard—was chosen in consultation with the client to reflect the personal significance of the contents.

Why Choose Jubilee Framers for Custom Memorabilia Framing?

With over 40 years of experience in professional picture framing, Jubilee Framers specialises in transforming treasured objects into stunning wall art. Whether you're preserving a family legacy, celebrating a personal achievement, or displaying a rare collection, our team will work with you to design a custom solution that suits both your story and your space.

Ready to Frame Your Story?

We invite you to visit our Kelvin Grove studio to discuss your custom framing needs. From family heirlooms to contemporary collections, Jubilee Framers offers expert craftsmanship and design advice to help you preserve what matters most.

Contact us today to bring your memories to life—beautifully framed and proudly displayed.